RE: Maserati launches special Gransport
RE: Maserati launches special Gransport
Thursday 16th February 2006

Maserati launches special Gransport

New aero kit and interior carbon bits


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To celebrate winning the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers’ Cup, Maserati has launched a new limited edition model of the GranSport.

The Maserati GranSport MC Victory will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and will be on sale from May, with only 180 individually numbered units being produced.

As well as boasting a higher level of standard equipment than the Maserati GranSport on which it is based, the new Maserati GranSport MC Victory offers a variety of new features that clearly link it to the Maserati MC12, and enhance its driving dynamics.

Externally, the Maserati GranSport MC Victory is immediately identified by its blue carbon fibre front and rear spoilers and the Italian flag recessed into the front wings, another feature inspired by the MC12.

Aerodynamic efficiency

The enlarged front splitter of the Maserati GranSport MC Victory generates more downforce at high speeds, as do the extended side skirts, modifications which improve the car’s high speed stability and dynamic responsiveness. Its agility is further improved by more direct and precise steering, creating driving characteristics more closely matched to those of the Maserati MC12.

Interior trim

The cabin’s carbon fibre components are in blue to match the exterior spoilers. They are combined with a selection of leathers and Alcantara trim, which cover the upper dashboard, the door panels, the steering wheel - making it easier to grip – and the centre sections of the carbon fibre racing seats, the overall effect dramatically heightening the interior’s sporting ambience.

The upgraded interior, the sharpened steering response and improved high speed stability of the Maserati GranSport MC Victory bring the driving experience closer to the exhilaration enjoyed by the racing drivers of the Maserati MC12, said the company, while its distinctive look fittingly celebrates Maserati’s victory in the 2005 FIA GT championship

Author
Discussion

FUGatso

Original Poster:

563 posts

263 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
I think it's a bit far fetched to say that it's close to driving an MC12, however it looks a great car and if I had the money I would probably choose it over a fezza

D4V KC

644 posts

270 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
A nice Limited Edition certainly, always liked those Maser's! I wonder what premium they'll be charging over the normal one? Good looking car though!

ubergreg

261 posts

262 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
Hm, tasty. A true Gentleman's GT. They look and sound the business, and that blue hue with dark rims is spot-on, IMO.

granville

18,764 posts

292 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
Joyous.

r988

7,500 posts

260 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
FUGatso said:
I think it's a bit far fetched to say that it's close to driving an MC12, however it looks a great car and if I had the money I would probably choose it over a fezza


In fairness, it probably is closer, the same way that I can take a few steps east and claim to be closer to Tokyo, it's true that I'm closer, but not close, marketing types love that sort of trickery.

Dodgey_Rog

2,025 posts

291 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
i want one!!! the right colour, the right wheels, just not sure about those "American" rear lights, bring back the Boomerangs i say!!!! (or an up-to-date variation) They just ooozed finesse in my opinion.

mr_tony

6,351 posts

300 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
Hmmm. Well the Gransport was always going to be the runout model so we thought. Heres a special edition of the runout model (and it looks so fine!). Do have most parts of my body crossed that there is a final more hardcode 'stradale' type version - if this is it it's not really that impressive - same power, same weight - just a tighter steering rack (which I doubt it really needs given that the steering on the coupe has always been described as 'direct'!)...

WWESTY

2,690 posts

269 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all

vinceh

154 posts

259 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
Great car, but who can live with the depreciation? This does of course make it a good second hand buy, but then you discover service/parts costs for your £30k scar are still at Ferrari levels. Eek.

runnersp

1,061 posts

251 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
What a beautiful car, if it were mine i would perenially search out tunnels to blast through in second with the windows down!

mr_tony

6,351 posts

300 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
vinceh said:
Great car, but who can live with the depreciation? This does of course make it a good second hand buy, but then you discover service/parts costs for your £30k scar are still at Ferrari levels. Eek.


My 3200 cost me a lot . But in the end the smiles per mile with the Maserati outweighed the £ per mile. Definately the most charismatic car I've ever had, and I'd still have another in a heartbeat. Probably wouldn't buy a new one at the moment though! (Well I don't think I'll ever buy a brand new car - until the lottery numbers roll up anyway!)...

Swoll

22,946 posts

289 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
Starting to look a bit long in the tooth IMHO, also a bit pricey at nearly £70K. Think I'd wait for the 997 GT3.

I love the Quattroporte though, for me one of the the most charismatic cars on sale today.

Dodgey_Rog

2,025 posts

291 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
I saw the report on the Quattroporte on Top Gear when May was hacking along the old Targa Florio route, sounded bloody gorgeous, i think i was getting a stalk on!!!

I have to agree, there's something about them that makes them so charismatic. i've fancied one, but just never been brave enough. Think i'll wait until the fiscal situ improves.

vinceh

154 posts

259 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
mr_tony said:
vinceh said:
Great car, but who can live with the depreciation? This does of course make it a good second hand buy, but then you discover service/parts costs for your £30k scar are still at Ferrari levels. Eek.


My 3200 cost me a lot . But in the end the smiles per mile with the Maserati outweighed the £ per mile. Definately the most charismatic car I've ever had, and I'd still have another in a heartbeat. Probably wouldn't buy a new one at the moment though! (Well I don't think I'll ever buy a brand new car - until the lottery numbers roll up anyway!)...


Very interesting, and you seem to be confirming what I had suspected. I rented a 4200 Spyder in the South of France for a weeks holiday and loved it, I've been just too scared to buy one. Or rather, I haven't had enough money for some time now to be able to buy one and look it every day and think 'how beaututiful you are and what a great drive' instead of 'how much money have you cost me today?'. Simple answer - must earn more money.

Merlot

1,547 posts

284 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
I hope that the more direct steering is not as direct as on my 3200GT - that car was practically undriveable on tight roads. Indeed that was the main reason why I sold it. Much prefer German steering.

mr_tony

6,351 posts

300 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
vinceh said:
mr_tony said:
vinceh said:
Great car, but who can live with the depreciation? This does of course make it a good second hand buy, but then you discover service/parts costs for your £30k scar are still at Ferrari levels. Eek.


My 3200 cost me a lot . But in the end the smiles per mile with the Maserati outweighed the £ per mile. Definately the most charismatic car I've ever had, and I'd still have another in a heartbeat. Probably wouldn't buy a new one at the moment though! (Well I don't think I'll ever buy a brand new car - until the lottery numbers roll up anyway!)...


Very interesting, and you seem to be confirming what I had suspected. I rented a 4200 Spyder in the South of France for a weeks holiday and loved it, I've been just too scared to buy one. Or rather, I haven't had enough money for some time now to be able to buy one and look it every day and think 'how beaututiful you are and what a great drive' instead of 'how much money have you cost me today?'. Simple answer - must earn more money.


In the end all it comes back to a simple statement (and this applies to itallian, german, british alike) - theres no such thing as a cheap to own supercar

Having said that the 4200 is cheaper to run than the 3200 by all accounts - remember it's better to regret what you _have_ done, than what you _haven't_ done

David A

3,725 posts

282 months

Thursday 16th February 2006
quotequote all
mr_tony said:
vinceh said:
mr_tony said:
vinceh said:
Great car, but who can live with the depreciation? This does of course make it a good second hand buy, but then you discover service/parts costs for your £30k scar are still at Ferrari levels. Eek.


My 3200 cost me a lot . But in the end the smiles per mile with the Maserati outweighed the £ per mile. Definately the most charismatic car I've ever had, and I'd still have another in a heartbeat. Probably wouldn't buy a new one at the moment though! (Well I don't think I'll ever buy a brand new car - until the lottery numbers roll up anyway!)...


Very interesting, and you seem to be confirming what I had suspected. I rented a 4200 Spyder in the South of France for a weeks holiday and loved it, I've been just too scared to buy one. Or rather, I haven't had enough money for some time now to be able to buy one and look it every day and think 'how beaututiful you are and what a great drive' instead of 'how much money have you cost me today?'. Simple answer - must earn more money.


In the end all it comes back to a simple statement (and this applies to itallian, german, british alike) - theres no such thing as a cheap to own supercar

Having said that the 4200 is cheaper to run than the 3200 by all accounts - remember it's better to regret what you _have_ done, than what you _haven't_ done



Not in petrol it isn't, though I may be driving it a little harder

Gransport sypder please, I'll have one in 18 months.

Dave

FestivAli

1,183 posts

269 months

Friday 17th February 2006
quotequote all
They've just released the GrandSport Spyder - makes a horn car look horner (in my best bogan-speak). Wonder if it'll ever come with a proper manual. I was asking a dealer at a motorshow whether the Crossfire SRT roadster came in a manual (because being a 19yr old uni student, I'm clearly in the market) and he gave me some speil about tiptronics being exactly the same. Corks to him.

Ali.

dinkel

27,840 posts

289 months

Friday 17th February 2006
quotequote all
FestivAli said:
They've just released the GrandSport Spyder.


Twin Turbo

5,544 posts

297 months

Friday 17th February 2006
quotequote all
Very, very nice. But what Maserati really need is an all new coupe, and I'm talknig about the "proper" replacement for this car (cut down Q/porte chassis, V8 engine), not the 4WD Alfa Brera based jobbie that's rumoured.

With the new XK, Aston's V8 and DB9 pairing and the new 997, the Maserati is starting to look a little long in the tooth (even the fit bird from Desperate Housewives has swapped her Spyder for a DB9 Volante!) That doesn't stop it from being an achingly gorgeous car though!